Session 0: To Catch A Thief - Amris' Story Report
General Summary
Time Dawn
Weather Bright and Sunny
Amris's Bedroom 'The Drakenhof' Altdorf.
Since his rescue by Salundra von Drakenburg a few weeks earlier Amris has been in hiding at the families Altdorf Town House. The Duke, Salundra's father, has been more than hospitable to Amris and gone out of his way to make him feel comfortable, but with both of them now away dealing with their own affairs back in the Duchy of Drakenburg, Amris is finding life in hiding very boring. The worse time is the night when all the human servants go to bed and the house sits in darkness leaving Amris with only the cats for company. At one point he did venture out onto the street against the stern advice of the elderly human watchman guarding the front gate and soon discovered that humans don't like strange elves wandering around in the dark and after a few hostile confrontations he quickly retreated back to the Drakenhof being treated with a stern 'I told you so.' look from the watchman upon his return. During the daylight hours, things were more interesting and Amris was able to wander around the city with reasonable freedom taking in the sights, sounds and disgusting smells of what humans called civilisation. However, he had been careful to avoid the docks and merchant houses of the city just in case he was recognised by one of his stepfather's associates. As far as Armis knew his stepfather Alantha Goldcrest, a ruthless Sea Elf Merchant Prince from one of the minor kindreds of Cothique had no idea he was in Altdorf. There had been reports of strange questions being asked in the Duchy of Drakenburg, which was partly why Salundra and her father had decided to leave him in Altdorf and travel there to investigate. His stepfather knew that Salundra had helped him to escape from the Goldcrest Compound in 'Sith Rionnasc'namishathir', Marienburg. So, it made sense that the search for him would begin in Drakenburg. It also seemed logical that eventually, he would find out that the Drakenburg family had other residences and broaden that search. It was just a matter of time. It was just after sunrise on the 31st day of what the humans call 'Plough-Tide' when Amris was disturbed by one of the house servants reporting that a really tall elf was at the door asking to see him. Amris put down the brush he was using to prepare his hair and wondered if this was it.
Amris Emberfell
The maidservant informed Amris that a really tall elf was in the Dukes study and demanded to see him. "And have you told this elf that I am here?" Armis said, wondering if he had time to make a quick escape. As he spoke, and while waiting for the servant's answer, he began adorning his armour and seeing if the window may make a decent path for an escape from his room.
Female Servant The girl's eyes widened as the full import of Amris' question stuck home. She stammered "No! M'Lord He never asked " "He seemed to know you was here." "He just demanded to see you an then 'e just pushed past me without asking, went in the master's study an' told me to get you." "He was very rude." She added indignantly
Amris Emberfell Amris sigh's. If this is his father, there will be half a dozen others waiting in the distance to catch him should he attempt to flee, in the house he would have the advantage. "Well, there is a decent chance he is not alone, so be a dear and let the watchmen know." Amris finishes by adorning his sword that, from a humans eye, would have the delicate grace and beauty of any elven blade, but for elves it would be considered a very run of the mill sword. He then heads down to the Dukes study to meet his potential assailant.
GM The girl bobs a perfunctory curtsey and then flees the room you hear her feet as she practically runs down the stairs and the bang of the front door as she presumably leaves the house in search of the watchman. His sword now in place Amris makes his way down the stairway as calmly as he can manage and enters the Dukes study. Amris recognises the immensely tall elf stooped beneath the roof beams of the Dukes study immediately as his mother's envoy and councillor Illyruis Starsight a Dragon-Mage of Caledor who has served his family for decades. He looks uncomfortable and not a little disgusted but does not forget his manners. He bows even lower than the roof beams demand "Greetings Your Royal Highness, I am sorry if I have disturbed you," he adds glancing quizzically at your hair which is once more dishevelled by the rapid passage of your hauberk over it. "I bring grave news from your mother."
Amris Emberfell Amris breathes a sigh of relief at the sight if Illyrius and bows in return, after hearing mention of his mother Amris's face grow serious "Greetings Illyrius, what news do you bring that would have you chase me to Altdorf?"
Illyrius Starsight "I fear your mother the Princess is gravely ill." he looks hopefully about trying to find somewhere that he might be able to stand upright but fails "As you know Her Royal Highness never truly recovered after the sea voyage from Caledor and she seems to be deteriorating. She is convinced that she is about to transcend and nothing we can do or say will convince her otherwise." 'Her Royal Highness has written you this letter." He hands Amris a folded piece of elven parchment sealed with the Royal Seal "However, she also urged me to impress upon you how important it is that you do not try to return to see her. You must avoid your stepfather at all costs. Your mother fears for your life if you do not" He pauses as if to impress upon you the importance of his words. "I fear your stepfather has not taken your escape lightly, even now he has agents searching for you and the human female who aided you." His face grows dark "He may even have hired the Manniocs-Quinsh to hunt you down." He gathers himself and continues. "Your Royal Highness I fear your stepfather plans to steal your inheritance and place your half-brother on the throne. He plans to rule as regent through him. It is the only logical explanation. He has already stolen the Dragon Ring from your mother and given it to your half-brother. Without it, you cannot ascend the throne and with it, he can claim the right of ascension." "You need to recover that ring before your mother transcends." "It will not be easy." "An army cannot just march into Sith Rionnasc'namishathir and seize the ring by force." "Your highness must seek some other means to retrieve it. A thief perhaps or an adventurer. Your mother will pay handsomely for a person with the right skills as always." "Meanwhile' she urges you to gather as many allies as you can. People you trust. I fear your stepfather will be doing likewise. No doubt he is already sending envoys to every noble house in the Empire seeking support and promising rich rewards for your return." "So, be careful who you trust." "It is a lot to take in I know. I am doing my best to shroud your location and I have laid false trials to other locations which should keep the Manniocs-Quinsh distracted for a while. But if I can find you, so can they eventually. You must be ready when they do." He pauses again and looks down on you earnestly. "Is there anything more you need to know?" " A message for your mother perhaps?"
Amris Emberfell Amris looks down at the floor, his eyes darting back and forth as his mind races with all the potentially horrifying scenarios should his mother die before he is ready, or even worse for him if the Manniocs-Quinsh are already on to his scent. He'll have to try and push up his time table. He takes a deep breath and looks up at Illyrius "I'll be living under an alias for the time being, Hectorin Tideson of clan Ulliogtha. There are such a great deal of them in the empire trying to recover from recent losses in Marienburg so it will be easier to go unnoticed for a time, though if you would be so kind as to make a fuss about having the wrong man on your way out, it would be greatly appreciated. For the ring I suppose I'll have to find myself a capable thief in my time here, though the empire seems rife with them, it will be difficult to find one to be trusted. And as for a message back to mother..." Amris then calmly undoes the wax seal and begins reading the letter, waiting till he has read it before passing along a message.
GM Amris breaks the Royal Seal on his mother's letter. There is a faint glow and a waft of his mother's perfume fills the air. A warm glow brushes against his cheek and he feels a caress on his forehead that brings a tear to his eyes as he tries to read her words. It truth the letter adds little if any information beyond that which Illyrius has already imparted.
- Do NOT go home.
- Stay away from your stepfather.
- Your ring of ascension has been stolen and handed to your step-brother.
- You must recover the ring.
Amris Emberfell Amris smiles at the arrival of the two and holds his hands up in a gesture to calm them down "Everything is alright, it seems a mistake of identity has been made " He then hands the letter back to Illyrius "You can tell your employer that he's made a mistake, and the last I saw whom he seeks was seven months ago in Sith Rionnasc'namishathir " Amris tries to convey with his eyes that he means 'I understand and will stay away'.
Illyrius Starsight Illyrius looks puzzled for a second but finally bows low again takes the letter and barges his way out of the room. The nightwatchman follows him outside and the servant girl slams the door behind them with a slight air of triumph.
Amris Emberfell Amris inhales another deep breath and takes in the situation fully. He'll need a new plan. He looks over at the female servant with a warm smile to cover for his current worries. "So, what will be for breakfast this fine morning?"
Female Servant "I'll check with the cook M'Lord. But the fresh bread is ready and we have cheese and cold cuts from yesterday. Was there anything specific you would like?" "Oh! The cook will probably ask if you plan to be here for lunch or whether you will be continuing your study of the city today."
Amris Emberfell Hew nods "I'll be having a quick breakfast here then I'll be exploring the city until supper so there will be no need for a lunch, I'll be returning to my room to get ready then" Armis then bows curtly and head back to his room to finish changing.
Female Servant The maid courtesies politely as he leaves the room and then begins a thorough search of her master's study just in case that horrible creature stole something. Because she knows she will get the blame.
GM 31st Day of Pflugzeit, 2512 IC Time Early Morning (Breakfast) Weather Bright and Sunny
GM Amris was back in his room pondering what action to take as a consequence of the dire news delivered by Illyrius. He was disturbed again by a tap at the door and opening it discovered the maid again this time burdened with a large tray covered in food dishes and a small jug of wine. "Breakfast M'Lord." she said breezing into the room and placing the tray carefully down on the small table near the window. Amris wondered why both she and the nightwatchman seemed convinced that his name was M'Lord. They both used it to address him frequently and he hadn't corrected them merely assuming that the Duke must have chosen that name as a pseudonym to hide his true identity from his staff. It was probably wise he thought to go along with the deception. The maid herself seems to have recovered from her earlier agitation over Illyruis' visit and hasn't mentioned it since. But another strange behaviour that Amris has noticed of humans is that they rarely talk to you unless you initiate the conversation. It can be quite unsettling and Amris has found himself in the same room as the maid on a few occasions where she has just stood there silent as though frozen in time and he has felt compelled to say something if only to get her to move. It's very odd. She's doing it now and Amris is forced to think of something to say just to avoid the awkwardness. 'The weather today is delightful.' he says remembering that humans seem to have an obsession with discussing their climate "Yes! M'Lord." the maid bobs slightly and glances out of the window "At least you won't get wet on your walk." Another awkward pause "Will that be all M'Lord?" Amris tried to think of something else he was supposed to say the question from the girl seemed almost like an admonishment was there something else he was supposed to contribute. He couldn't think of anything. They had both agreed that the weather was pleasant what else was there to discuss? "Err! No!" Amris finally ventured to say more as a question than a statement "Unless you have something you wish to add?" The girl looked confused and Amris realised he'd got it wrong again. These ritual human conversation etiquettes were hard to master. At last, the girl moved. She bobbed again, Amris had tried to mimic this odd behaviour but found it made the girl nervous. Thinking she might find it insulting, perhaps he was mimicking some sort of nervous affliction she suffered from, he eventually stopped trying to copy her and ignored the bobbing behaviour instead. "Thank you, M'Lord" she said "Enjoy your meal." and left the room. Amris relaxed again and wandered over to inspect the food she had left for him. Human food was an acquired taste as Armis had already noted. Like everything the humans produced or crafted it was usually dead and often in a state of partial decay. What they call bread, for example, he thought as he picked up a slice was perfectly good grain pulverised into a powder and then burnt in an oven. It destroyed the living yeast in the grain although he did admit the texture it produced was pleasing. Amris picked up a slice and felt the crust crunch as he bit through it. Cheese, on the other hand, needed to be approached with more caution. Basically, it was milk left to decay and then compressed into solid lumps of mould. It usually stank and Amris threw it out of the window as soon as the girl had left the room to avoid retching. Meat...well what can one say? It's almost barbaric. Dead animal flesh normally disguised by some sort of sauce and burned. But Amris had found that the dogs really liked it, but then they are animals. The fruit was usually edible although the humans seemed to store it far too long and it often contained worms or weevils. The wine was usually appalling but the water even worse. In fact, he had discovered that they actually pulled it out of the ground and usually had to boil it just to kill all the impurities. Anyway, he ate what he could and wrapped up the meat neatly to deliver to the dogs on his way out. This time he would remember to take his purse. He should have done so last time it was the one useful thing he had gleaned from his stepfather who was more knowledgeable about humans than he was. Human's like to collect tokens, they call them coins, and they have specific arbitrary values. The more you have the more respected you become even though you've done nothing to earn that respect except collect the coins. Amris didn't understand it fully but he knew it was important as his stepfather had drilled it into him ad-nausea that the point of the game was to acquire as many tokens as possible whilst giving away as few as he could get away with. A sort of game of luck and trickery, so when a human offered you something you had to offer them as few coins as possible in return and then argue with them until an agreement was reached and vice versa. Even when you both had something the other wanted you still had to hand over or take some coins and the coins seemed more important than the thing you wanted. It was odd but Amris thought he understood how the game worked. It was just the logic behind it that confused him. Surely one should be respected for what one does and contributes to your kindred not for how good you are at playing a game. But that's the way it works and so he would take his purse of tokens and play the game. He picked up his purse, sword and the wrapped meat for the dogs and headed for the door. Though he had no idea where he was going to find a thief. Perhaps the old night watchman might know where he should go.
Amris Emberfell Amris heads out of the estate to where the watchman is currently posted "You there! watchman. I have a question, where might I find the part of town where the human ner' do wells tend to reside?"
GM The elderly watchman scratches his head dubiously. "Most o'the rogues reside in the slum districts over the river. M'lord. Yer'll find tenements full o'them over there jammed in like rats they are." he adds. "But it's probably best ta stay this side o'the river if yern want to keep yer purse an those fine clothes yer wearin." he warns.
Amris Emberfell "Hmm. Quite right. Well I shall be heading into town shortly" Amris walks back into the house quickly to make sure he only has 4 Shillings on him, leaving the rest in his room. Armis then heads back out towards the city and without slowing down to think things further, immediately crosses the river into the shadier bits. as he continues walking his eyes begin to tear up. The smell of this town was horrendous but HERE it was as if the stench had multiplied tenfold!
GM Having stashed his excess tokens in his room Amris leaves the Duke's townhouse and following the directions given to him by the watchman he heads eastwards through the Oberhausen District where the upper-class houses are located towards the Ulthuan Embassy on the corner of Hexenstrasse and Reikmarktestrasse. Here he follows the Reikmarktstrasse eastwards towards the market and the river. It was still early morning and whilst the roads had been clear in the upper-class district the market areas were already beginning to draw crowds of traders and shoppers. He attracted a bit more attention now and some of the lower classes were not so restrained in their comments as the people of the upper-class district. The females especially seemed particularly forward and one or two even tried to take his arm becoming somewhat hostile when he politely shook them off. However, things began to get really boisterous as he crossed Sigmar's Bridge into the lower class area of the city. He quickly acquired quite a following, mostly small children at first who would run ahead of him and then beg him for tokens as he passed before running ahead and repeating the process. They were annoying but perhaps more worrying was the growing number of rough-looking men keeping pace with him along the street and casting malevolent glances at him. He felt he was being stalked. He passed a watch station on his right and kept walking eastwards. He saw what the old man had called the Sanitarium on the left a large bleak-looking building with barred windows and solid-looking doors. The next landmark was the Necropolis. A large area densely populated with ornate memorials to the humans wealthier dead. He was not surprised it was so crowded given the human's short life spans. As Amris passed the Necropolis he crested a rise and was able to look out across the rest of the lower residential area with its densely packed tenements rising up the hill on the far side of the valley. Without pausing he plunged on eventually emerging on another major artery of the city. This one running east to west across his path so that he had to dodge through the flow of traffic to enter the residential area opposite. Thankfully, that appeared to shake off some of his entourage but it was a brief respite. As soon as he entered the narrow streets of the residential area the tall tenement buildings seemed to vomit life of all ages and genders. They poured into the street like rats out of every door and alleyway excited and demanding. Some wanted tokens others demanded information. Disgusting products were waved under his nose. He was offered all manner of goods and services. And once again he could see the jackals begin to gather at the edges of the pack. The old man had suggested heading for a meeting place called 'The Three Beards'. Which he said could be found on the far side of the residential district under the cities Eastern wall. It was just a question as to whether he would survive that long.
GM Amris was beginning to think he might not manage to make it as far as The Three Beards when suddenly there was a garbled shout from behind him and like a retreating wave the road suddenly cleared of everyone and he found himself virtually alone. Just two small faces peered at him from behind some barrels further along the street. Once the street was clear they both got up and wandered over to Amris "Hey Mr. Elf, Sir, what you're up to? Do you need a guide? Name's Moli." says the darker haired one of the two though Amris can barely tell them apart.
GM The small female halflings seem mesmerised by Amris' obvious superiority and brilliance but after a few seconds must have concluded that Amris hadn't noticed them. One of them waves a hand to get your attention "Hello! Down here!"
Amris Emberfell Armis looks down at the two halflings with a small amount of relief, if they weren't running at the mention of the town watch arriving then perhaps they could be relied upon. He smiles and tries to lay on some charm "Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I could use some direction, what is your going rate young lady?"
GM The two halflings look almost identical were it not for the differences in their hats. Amris assumes they must be female though he has not had much contact with halflings and isn't sure how to tell the difference. But his assumption doesn't seem to have caused offence. More worrying is the fact that one of them seems intent on nuzzling his leg whilst making loud snuffling noises. Amris isn't sure what to make of this behaviour. About the nearest thing he has experienced in the past is the tendency of Duke's guard dogs to keep jumping up his leg which was equally disconcerting.
GM The halfling you are talking with thinks for a moment and then replies, "Ten shillings!" which Amris knows is ten of the silver tokens. But he only has four in his purse as he left the rest in his bedroom for safekeeping.
Amris Emberfell Amris looks down at the child and smirks, he may detest his step-father, but he did learn a thing or two about trading from him. "Hmmm. I think five brass should be more than enough, don't you think?"
GM The halfling looks a bit crestfallen but smiles sweetly up at Amris and suggests a compromise. "Uuuhm, that's significantly less, can we say at least 7 pennies?"
Amris Emberfell Amris keeps smiling through, now he was getting to a better number "If you'll take 5 we can get going, if not, I don't believe it will take me too long to find what I'm looking for."
SESSION CLOSED BY GM
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